Enjoying Thanksgiving For What It Is

Thanksgiving means so many things to so many people. For some, it’s a day to kick back and watch football. Others make a date with larger-than-life balloon characters for the popular Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade.

Then there are those who get a jump on Black Friday bargains by hitting the malls on Thanksgiving. A bunch of stores will be open on Turkey Day. Actually, I was surprised by how many retailers are getting a jump on the holiday shopping rush.

Maybe it’s just me, but that’s the last place I want to spend my Thanksgiving. Call me a purist, but it’s always been my favorite holiday because it’s traditionally the one that’s not commercialized.

It’s the one occasion where it’s strictly about food, family and appreciation.

I am a serial shopper, so that’s not the issue. I just don’t like to feel pressured to buy gifts. I hope I don’t sound like a Scrooge or the Grinch, but the pumpkins from Halloween were barely turning to mush and already the Christmas decorations were out, the carols playing and the Christmas count-down starting way before the 12 days of Christmas.

Mentally, my Christmas clock starts when I’m trying to slow down time to savor the one day that’s supposed to be about a good meal, good company, a good nap and leftovers for days. So I may miss out on a cheap TV, but in my line of work, a break from TV and chaotic environments is a real holiday treat.

Besides, this year my birthday happens to fall on Thanksgiving. But no pressure to buy me a gift. That’s not what Thanksgiving is about.

tjoaquin@hawaiinewsnow.com